John Rackowski and Dawn Murray, a brother and sister duo from Milwaukee, don't have their own production in Vegas and haven't appeared on "Dancing with the Stars." But, they do put on four to six shows a year.

The siblings organized their first art and craft show as Brew City Crafters LLC in 2012. It was held at Classic Lanes in Oak Creek and had 20 vendors.

"It was nerve-wracking," Rackowski said. "But, once we did our first one, we were hooked."

They're putting on Harvest Fest, their biggest show to date, at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex in Franklin Sept. 29

The company had to keep turning away vendors at previous fairs due to lack of space. So, they looked into having a larger event, said Tasha Laramore, Rackowski's girlfiend who became a co-owner at the beginning of 2018.

When Rackowski suggested such a large venue, Murray said she thought her brother was crazy. "I didn't think we were going to be able to fill that many vendors, especially at this time of the year with all the craft shows going on with the holidays approaching," she said.

Despite these concerns, she said she had faith in Rackowski and they decided to go for it.

The show was announced Dec. 16, 2017 and about 50 vendors were signed up within the first month. Now, the show is fully booked with 234 vendors and a waiting list.

There will be over 15 categories of booths, including wood, metal and glass works and bath, body and scent with items like candles and lotions. Each category will have between five and 20 booths.

"A lot of people think of art and craft fairs as crochet and knitting," said Laramore. "That's not what our shows are all about. We strive to get a wide variety for this event."

There will be food vendors, a caricature artist, a magician, a coloring station, a food truck and Hyde and Chic MKE, a mobile boutique.

Admission is $2 for adults with half of admission fees being donated to Make-A-Wish Wisconsin. "We try to think of partnerships that really hit home with us," Rackowski said. A family member of theirs had received a wish through the organization.

How Brew City Crafters began

"Art has been a part of the family for quite a long time," Rackowski said.

Their grandfather, Russ Rackowski, did acrylic painting and their father, Tom Rackowski, has done woodworking for over 16 years. Tom Rackowski will be bringing "Tom's Woodworks" to the upcoming fest. He specializes in scroll saw art and has made 600 pieces, John Rackowski said.

Tom Rackowski, the father of Dawn Murray and John Rackowski, the founders of Brew City Crafters, does scroll saw art. He will be displaying his work at Harvest Fest.(Photo: Submitted)

The siblings would tag along with their dad to art and craft fairs he would attend, and Murray, who has been in direct sales for 15 years, would also go to them for work.

"Art for me, I've been interested in since I can remember," Murray said.

She had done acrylic painting like her grandfather, then got into crocheting. "You can do it when you want and you don't have to worry about it drying up," she said. She makes baby blankets, dish clothes and wreaths.

Rackowski made liquor lamps. He used a diamond cutter to drill holes in liquor bottles and illuminated them from the inside. Now, he does photography.

"We started doing so many fairs and were tagging along with our dad to so many of them that it just got our wheels turning," John Rackowski said. Instead of renting three booths at each fair, he said they thought they could organize a show of their own.

So, that's what they did.

John Rackowski and Laramore are full-time Brew City Crafters, and Murray continues to do direct sales in addition to her work with the company.

Unlike the siblings, Laramore's background isn't in art. It's law. She was a senior paralegal and office manager in Las Vegas for 20 years.

She said she was starting to feel burnt out and began helping out at the fairs. "I would just try to give any help I could with the vendors and forms, and miscellaneous stuff that needs to be done with the shows," she said. She became a partner in January.

"Being a part of Brew City Crafters has just given me a totally different type of life that is way more enjoyable and filled with fun, art, creativeness and learning on a daily basis without the stress and rigidness of a law firm," she said.

Oktoberfest is from 4 to 10 p.m. Sept. 28 and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 29 in downtown Greendale. For more information, visit bit.ly/oktoberfestgreendale.

China Lights: Panda Mania is open from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays and closed Mondays Sept. 21-Oct. 21 at the Boerner Botanical Gardens, 9400 Boerner Drive, Hales Corners. Tickets are $20 for adults, $12 for seniors 60 and over and children 5 to 17, and free for kid under 5. VIP tickets are $30. For more information, visit chinalights.org.

Saber Robotics electronics/metal recycling drive is from 8 a.m. to noon Sept. 29 in the south east parking lot of Franklin High School, 8222 S 51st St, Franklin. Proceeds go to Saber Robotics. For details on what is accepted, visit saberrobotics.org/recycling-drive.

"Mamma Mia!" is playing at 2 p.m. Sept. 28 at the St. Francis Library, 4230 S. Nicholson Ave., St. Francis. "A Wrinkle in Time" is showing at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 26 and 5:30 p.m. Sept. 27. Admission is free. For more information, visit stfrancislibrary.org.

Harley enthusiasts roll south on 60th Street from the House of Harley-Davidson on Wednesday on a charity ride benefiting the Wisconsin Veterans Network though southern Milwaukee County communities to Veterans Park on the Milwaukee lakefront. C.T. Kruger/Now News Group

Brookfield Central quarterback Drew Leszczynski (2) blocks for running back Rashad Lampkin (30) as he scrambles for a 51-yard touchdown against Oconomowoc on Thursday, August 23, 2018. Scott Ash/Now News Group

A Culpepper and Merriweather Circus roustabout places a flag that will top one of two main poles for the big top tent. The Circus arrived in Dousman on Aug. 23 for two performances. While setup of the big top takes three hours, it can be taken down and packed onto two trucks in 90 minutes.
C.T. Kruger/Now News Group

Rebecca McConnell creates a caricature of of Lily Unger, 10, at the State Farm Insurance booth during the Muskego Community Festival at Muskego Veterans Memorial Park on Aug. 25. C.T. Kruger/Now News Group

Crime scene investigators respond to a home in the 7900 block of Warren Avenue in Wauwatosa following reports of shots fired on Aug. 22. The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner was notified. C.T. Kruger/Now News Group

Union Pacific Railroad crew began cleanup and track repair from 13 empty bulk storage container cars that derailed, eight laying on their sides, south of Capitol Drive and west of I-41 at about 10 p.m. Aug. 20. C.T. Kruger/Now News Group

Four-year-old Emi Stuck of Glendale knocks over a stack of root beer cans during the second annual Root Beer Bash at Richard E. Maslowski Community Park in Glendale on Saturday, August 25, 2018. The free event, hosted by the City of Glendale and Sprecher Brewing Company, features root beer themed food, games, live music and more. Scott Ash/Now News Group

Menomonee Falls running back Julius Davis drives through the Germantown defense on Friday night. Davis, a Wisconsin Badgers recruit, finished with 33 carries for 334 yards and three touchdowns in the game. C.T. Kruger/Now News Group

Drummer Kevin Lance performs with Carolyn Wonderland at the 12th annual Waukesha Rotary BluesFest in Naga-waukee Park on Friday, August 10, 2018. The annual two-day music and art festival features live music, food and beverages, artist displays and more. Scott Ash/Now News Group

Teddy (front) and Calvin Davis find s puddle to play in on Aug. 9 during the Milwaukee County Zoo's Snooze at the Zoo that sold out 103 camping sites for each of the event's four nights. Campers would set up at 5 p.m. for a night of special events, then be packed up by 9 in the morning. C.T. Kruger/Now News Group

Four-year-old Evan Bondar of Oak Creek looks out of the gunner's turret on the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Lenco BearCat (armored vehicle) during National Night Out at the Franklin Public Library on Monday, August 6, 2018. Scott Ash/Now News Group

Joe Isaac of Lisbon finds he has the wingspan of a Sandhill Crane on a a Outdoor Heritage Education Center display duing Sussex's National Night Out at the Civic Plaza on Aug. 8. C.T. Kruger/Now News Group

Sarah Baumgartener of Iron River, Michigan, assembles tent poles while daughter Lydia practices gymnastics next to Lake Evinrude on Aug. 9 during the Milwaukee County Zoo's Snooze at the Zoo. The zoo sold out 103 camping sites for each of the event's four nights. Campers would set up at 5 p.m. for a night of special events, then be packed up by 9 in the morning. C.T. Kruger/Now News Group

Carolyn Wonderland performs with her band at the 12th annual Waukesha Rotary BluesFest in Naga-waukee Park on Friday, August 10, 2018. The annual two-day music and art festival features live music, food and beverages, artist displays and more. Scott Ash/Now News Group

Three-year-old Noor Elkadri of Brookfield gobbles down a bowl of ice cream during the Brookfield Public Library's Ice Cream Social on Tuesday, August 7, 2018. The free event, sponsored by Friends of the Library, celebrates the end of Summer Reading with ice cream and music. Scott Ash/Now News Group

Kettle Moraine receiver William Knutson (6) celebrates his 46-yard touchdown reception with lineman Jacob Rock during the first quarter at Waukesha West on Friday, August 17, 2018. Scott Ash/Now News Group

Franklin Police Sgt. Jason Fincel portrays the criminal in a K-9 demonstration during National Night Out at the Franklin Public Library on Monday, August 6, 2018. The event featured law enforcement & fire emergency vehicles, safety Information, displays, demonstrations, face painting, refreshments and more. Scott Ash/Now News Group

Kettle Moraine defenders get ready to pounce on a fumble by Waukesha West running back Sam Mikulak (32) on West's 30-yard line with 9:37 left in the fourth quarter at home on Friday night. Scott Ash/Now News Group

Paige Miess of Dodgeville and her Brown Swiss spring calf are both tired of waiting for their show competition on opening day of the Wisconsin State Fair in West Allis on Aug. 2. C.T. Kruger/Now News Group

Barefoot skier Mike Rotar of Pewaukee amazes spectators as he launches off the community pier during the Pewaukee Lake Water Ski Club's weekly show at Lakefront Park on Thursday, August 2, 2018. Scott Ash/Now News Group

Jack Adams (left), Alex Adams and Fischer Paul play with the water fountain at the Lake Country Rotary Splash Pad in Nixon Park in Hartland on Aug. 3. The Rotary hosted an Appreciation Day with a free hot dog lunch, music and prizes. C.T. Kruger/Now News Group

Holly Whitcomb of Elm Grove admires a collection of stained glass artwork during the 48th annual Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts in Fowler Park on Sunday, August 19, 2018. The two-day juried art festival features over 130 artists from across the country. Scott Ash/Now News Group

Competitors return from the cycling segment of the third annual TOSA Youth Tri at Hoyt Park in Wauwatosa on Saturday, August 25, 2018. The fundraiser, hosted by Friends of Hoyt Park & Pool, is USA Triathlon sanctioned and features both fun and challenge races for various age groups. Scott Ash/Now News Group

Glendale Police Officer Alex Simon demonstrates the capabilities of the Yuneec H520 Hexacopter (drone) during the second annual Root Beer Bash at Richard E. Maslowski Community Park in Glendale on Saturday, August 25, 2018. The free event, hosted by the City of Glendale and Sprecher Brewing Company, features root beer themed food, games, live music and more. Scott Ash/Now News Group

Joe Louis Walker performs with his band at the 12th annual Waukesha Rotary BluesFest in Naga-waukee Park on Friday, August 10, 2018. The annual two-day music and art festival features live music, food and beverages, artist displays and more. Scott Ash/Now News Group

Fifth grader Grace Johnson (left) and Third Grader Sophia Johnson work with their mother Corinne Johnson to enter information during Registration Day for all Cudahy district students at Cudahy High School on Aug. 16. C.T. Kruger/Now News Group

Rachael Diel of Oconomowoc works on a mural in the children's area during the 48th annual Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts in Fowler Park on Sunday, August 19, 2018. The two-day juried art festival features over 130 artists from across the country. Scott Ash/Now News Group

The band Sawdust Symphony is seen through colorful foliage at Ozaukee County Pioneer Village in Saukville during Bluegrass at the Village on Sunday, August 12, 2018. The annual event features live music, food and beverages, crafts, raffle items and more. Scott Ash/Now News Group

Turtle Joe Wacker of Waukesha invites guests to explore his 1840's fur trapper teepee during the Heritage Weekend living history event in Lisbon Community Park on Saturday, August 11, 2018. Scott Ash/Now News Group

Bassist Greg Rzab performs with Carolyn Wonderland at the 12th annual Waukesha Rotary BluesFest in Naga-waukee Park on Friday, August 10, 2018. The annual two-day music and art festival features live music, food and beverages, artist displays and more. Scott Ash/Now News Group

A 1939 Chevy attracts plenty of attention during the 6th annual Cruisin' the Grove street car and motorcycle show in downtown Elm Grove on Sunday, August 5, 2018. Funds from this year's event, presented by Woller-Anger & Company, will benefit TeamUp! With Families and Katy’s Kloset. Scott Ash/Now News Group

Chris Tribbey of Caledonia displays his 1911 Excelsior Model K Single motorcycle during the 6th annual Cruisin' the Grove street car and motorcycle show in downtown Elm Grove on Sunday, August 5, 2018. Tribbey will attempt to ride the 4 HP motorcycle more than 3,200 miles this fall in the Cannonball Endurance Event. Scott Ash/Now News Group

Evan Schmitt, 11, of Germantown, plays a round of disc golf during the Disc Golf Extravaganza event hosted by the Germantown Park & Recreation Department at Spassland Park in on Wednesday, August 1, 2018. The free event featured demonstrations and tips by professional disc golfers, games, concessions and more. Scott Ash/Now News Group